Cytodiagnosis of an Ectopic Primary Meningioma of the Parapharyngeal Region

Abstract

Cytological findings in meningiomas are not well characterized since cranial meningiomas are unapproachable and rarely aspirated. Extracranial meningiomas are rare with an incidence of 1%–2%. These lesions can pose diagnostic challenges to clinicians as well as cytopathologists. This rare case is reported for its novel presentation in the parapharyngeal space which was diagnosed on fine-needle aspiration and confirmed by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Awareness of the cytological findings and the possibility of occurrence of meningiomas at an extracranial location is important to arrive at an accurate preoperative diagnosis. This case report highlights the usefulness of fine-needle aspiration cytology not only in the diagnosis of meningiomas at an unusual location but also in predicting biological behavior.